This, the last column I will write as President and CEO of Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, Inc., is the most difficult. Five hundred words is insufficient to say all that is in my heart. But I am compelled to reflect and share some insights. I’m not going to provide a lot of numbers and accomplishments. The 25th anniversary of the Community Foundation approaches, so I’m certain you will hear much more about that in the year to come. But there are some essential characteristics of this organization that are worth mentioning.

To earn a private pilot license, students must start with basic instruction. This teaches them to fly under good weather conditions and visibility, and to trust their judgement based on what they see. Pilots may move on to additional specialized education to fly under instrument flight rules. This offers meteorology and intensive technical training so pilots can fly entirely by referring to the instruments in their airplane. Flying inside clouds, at certain altitudes, in all weather and at night requires this instrument rating.

By February, many of us are into the second month of our new health club membership, or are counting the next six pounds of weight loss, or are continuing a focus on certain business growth goals.

For me to write and share haiku poetry about sewage has to tell you that I’m serious about promoting the solution to this issue. Who else writes poetry about sewage?

As a funder, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has developed a great deal of knowledge about local needs and services. We have worked with many area nonprofit organizations and we understand their missions and programs.

Did you know that individuals age 70 ½ can make a tax-free gift of up to $100,000 from their IRA to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry – in support of an existing fund or to establish a fund to support their favorite charitable cause(s)? And that means, of course, that a married couple could possibly claim up to $200,000 tax-free!

Recently we had an orientation for new members of the board of directors at the Community Foundation. We were talking about various fund types and options for donors, and it was suggested that we give our standard “sales pitch” to them so they could use it with others.

This year as Labor Day is upon us, I’ve been thinking of my father and the lessons of his pastime. The workforce we celebrate at this time of year provides for the strength, prosperity and well-being of our economy – locally, regionally and nationally.

On Father’s Day, I stopped for an early breakfast at an area restaurant—a treat to myself before heading back to the office for the day. I had worked all day Saturday, and Sunday would be no different—deadlines loomed. I sat at the communal table; I love visiting with people when given the chance. A coffee pot and water carafe were provided, and my order taken. It wasn’t long before a couple of ladies sat across from me, and I shared my coffee and water, knowing that more would arrive for them shortly. They noticed the Community Foundation logo on my golf shirt (I expected no visitors at the office on a holiday), and started quizzing me about the organization, what we did, who we fund, and so on. I’m afraid my excitement in talking about the work shows, and it was a lovely exchange!

Here at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, we are community-builders. Our mission is “strengthening community by connecting people, resources and needs.” The focus, as you would expect from a community foundation, the “community’s foundation,” is on community.